Perimenopause can bring many unexpected challenges, including hot flashes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems. For many women, challenges also include finding a healthcare provider who listens to them and takes their symptoms seriously.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. The good news is that knowledgeable, compassionate menopause care does exist. Here are some steps you can take to find a doctor who understands.

Why Finding a Menopause Doctor Can Be Challenging

Each year, about 2.5 million women in the United States enter perimenopause and 1.3 million reach menopause — yet many physicians receive little formal training in menopause care. As a result, there’s a shortage of clinicians who specialize in this stage of life.

“I wish there were doctors who were educated in women’s issues to help inform us before menopause begins,” one woman told ThisIsMenopause. “I also wish they would find ways to help us.”

While some doctors are educated about women’s health in midlife, many aren’t. It can take time and effort to find a provider who is both knowledgeable about menopause and willing to listen.

Here’s what other women have shared:

• “I’ve had to find a better doctor to get proper menopause treatment.”
• “I’m crabby because I feel like my doctor hasn’t taken my concerns seriously.”
• “My doctor initially said I was too young for perimenopause and dismissed it.”
• “I feel dismissed a lot of the time.”
• “I wish I had talked to my doctor and OB-GYN more.”

Some women continue seeing their primary care provider or OB-GYN even when they feel unheard. Other common challenges include long wait times for appointments, difficulty navigating insurance coverage, symptoms that overlap with other health conditions, and short or rushed visits.

Cultural stigma can also play a role. In some settings, menopause symptoms are seen as just a normal part of aging, which may prevent women from getting the care or treatment they need.

As you move through this stage of life, you deserve a doctor who understands perimenopause care. Here are six tips to help you find one.

Depending on your insurance plan or healthcare system, you may need a referral from your primary care provider (PCP) to see a menopause specialist. Even if a referral isn’t required, your PCP can be a helpful starting point. They may know which menopause practitioners in your area have experience with menopause care.

Before the visit, consider tracking your menopause symptoms for a few weeks. Noting details about your hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, sleep problems, and other concerns can help you describe what you’re experiencing. This information also helps your provider rule out other medical conditions and guide you to the right type of care.

“I wish I had talked to my doctor and OB-GYN more.”

— A ThisIsMenopause survey respondent

If your primary care provider has training in menopause management, you may decide to continue working with them. If not, you can ask about seeing someone with more experience in menopause care. Advocating for yourself and seeking compassionate, evidence-based care can help protect your health and your quality of life.

The Menopause Society is a nonprofit focused on helping women stay healthy, informed, and supported during midlife and beyond. The organization advances research and education. It also certifies healthcare professionals who have completed advanced training in menopause care. After passing a competency exam — a test that confirms their knowledge — clinicians earn the Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) credential.

To find a certified menopause practitioner, you can search the Menopause Society’s online directory by location and profession. There’s also a telehealth search option if you prefer virtual care or can’t find a specialist near you.

Although MSCP certification doesn’t guarantee a provider will be the perfect match, it’s a helpful starting point. Once you find someone with menopause care expertise, you can ask questions and share your symptoms before deciding if they’re the right fit for you.

Many women naturally turn to obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) for menopause care. OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health and hormonal changes, but they aren’t the only clinicians who can support you during midlife.

Perimenopause can start eight to 10 years before menopause and cause a wide range of symptoms. These may include sleep disruption, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. As estrogen levels drop, cholesterol levels may rise. After menopause (postmenopause), other health risks can increase, such as heart disease and osteoporosis (low bone density).

Because menopause affects more than reproductive health, other types of providers may also be helpful. Many have training to help manage symptoms throughout the body and support long-term health. You may find experienced menopause care from:

• Internal medicine physicians
• Family medicine physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants

The most important factor isn’t the type of doctor you see — it’s finding a provider who understands menopause, stays up to date on current treatments, listens to your concerns, and respects your choices.

If you’re open to virtual visits, telehealth for menopause can expand your options. Using a secure video platform on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can meet with a licensed healthcare provider. They’ll review your medical history, family history, symptoms, and risk factors, as well as go over your menopause treatment options. In many states, telehealth providers can also prescribe menopause treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy.

Telehealth can be faster and more convenient than in-person visits, and research suggests it can be just as effective for some types of care. Still, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Some people prefer seeing their doctor face-to-face. In addition, certain menopause concerns may require in-person checkups, lab tests, or imaging.

Before scheduling a visit, review the telehealth provider’s policies and check your insurance coverage. Several telehealth platforms offer virtual menopause care, including companies such as Alloy, Carrot, Gennev, Hers, and Midi.

If you’re comfortable talking about menopause with other women, they can be a valuable source of recommendations for menopause providers. You might start by checking with:

• Family members
• Trusted friends
• Online menopause support groups
• Your broader social circles, including women you know through your gym, your place of worship, community groups, or your children’s school or sports teams

When asking for recommendations, consider also asking a few follow-up questions. For example, you might ask why they like their doctor, what symptoms they’ve experienced, what treatments they’ve tried, and how much time their provider spends with them at each visit.

“I’ve had to find a better doctor to get proper menopause treatment.”

— A ThisIsMenopause survey respondent

Hearing about firsthand experiences can help you find a menopause specialist who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and responsive to your concerns. These women may also share lifestyle changes that are helping them navigate this phase of life.

Menopause can affect your physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life. This isn’t a time to settle for care that doesn’t meet your needs. If you don’t feel heard, supported, or confident in your treatment plan, it’s OK to seek a second opinion or switch providers.

Some people feel guilty about getting a second opinion. They may worry about hurting their doctor’s feelings or damaging the relationship. But a provider who truly wants the best for you will support your efforts to get the care you need, even if that care comes from someone else.

Ask questions, do your research, and advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, consider trying another provider. Menopause symptoms aren’t something you simply have to accept in midlife. You deserve compassionate, supportive care that addresses your symptoms and helps you navigate menopause and the years beyond.